Helen Mary Conlan

It is with deep sadness that we have lost Joyce King-Sultana after a brief battle with cancer. She died with her loving husband by her side. Joyce was known for her gentle loving nature and was loved by many family and friends who knew her as: “The Queen”.

Born in San Francisco, the youngest of 4 children, She was always so proud to claim herself a Native San Franciscan. Joyce loved and supported the San Francisco Zoo, the Bay Area Lakes and Parks, the San Francisco Golden Gate Park Museums, and of course, the San Francisco Giants. She loved afternoons

in the park enjoying laughter, easy conversations, and quiet moments with her beloved husband. Joyce had a great love for her nieces and nephews who were so close in age to her. She was such a positive woman and a joy to be near. She welcomed everyone with her warm sweet smile and her genuine concern for others. Joyce could strike up a conversation with a stranger and after a few moments that stranger became a.new friend. She was always ready to celebrate with family and friends. Joyce was a firm believer that her birthday was not just one day of love and laughter, but needed to be a birthday season of many celebrations.

Over 49 years of companionship and marriage, Joyce and Mark designed and built a happy home together, took many get-away trips to their favorite B&B’s. dined out at their favorite restaurants, and delighted in conversations with old friends and new ones with warm cafe lattes. Joyce loved life and was an inspiration and mentor to so many who were lucky enough to have had the chance to sit and talk with her. She will be missed by so many, especially her husband.

Joyce worked as a Business Operations Assistant at Cal Book, where she met her husband in 1970, then San Francisco City College , and finally 24 years with Skyline College in San Bruno where she made so many lifelong friends.

Joyce was proceeded in death by her parents: Vincent Paul King and Virginia Jeannetta Sicco, her brother: John King, and her sisters: Ann Davis and Diane Conjulusa. Joyce leaves behind her devoted husband: Mark Sultana, her nephews: Donald King and Kenny King, her nieces: Karen Indorante, Denise Miszanczuk (Steve), Cheryl Wiswell (Floyd), Marrianne King and many Sultana family members and friends. Joyce will be dearly missed by all.

There will be a Celebration of Joyce’s Life in the future when more of us will be able to gather together, share hugs, and remember the sweet and happy person Joyce was to all who loved her.

Memorial donations in Joyce’s name can be made to Joyce’s favorite Charities: The Maven Project PO Box 156781 San Francisco, CA 94115 HealthRIGHT 360 Attn: Development Department. 1563 Mission St. San Francisco, CA 94103

Helen Mary (Ventura) Conlan died January 11, 2021, at home surrounded by family. Helen was born May 11, 1931, in San Francisco, CA to Nicholas and Mary Ventura. She met her husband, Robert Louis Conlan, in kindergarten but did not start to date until high school. They were married in 1956 in San Francisco, CA.

Helen is survived by her children; Kevin Conlan (Laura), Diane Barrett (Larry), and the late Karen Blackburn.

She is also survived by her grandchildren Kristen, Courtney, Erica Conlan, Allysa Parker, and her great-granddaughter Kaylee Conlan.

Helen attended school at Ursuline Academy in St. Helena, CA, and Lowell H.S. in San Francisco.

After Helen and Robert were married in 1956, Helen lived in Long Beach, CA while Robert was at sea for the Navy. She loved her Italian Heritage and also adopted and loved her husband’s Irish Heritage. When Robert’s commitment ended in 1960, they bought a house and moved to Cupertino, CA where

Robert started his career at Lockheed.

Helen was a homemaker whose passion was cooking. She had a love for reading and playing with her grandchildren. Some of her free time was spent window shopping and getting gifts for her grandchildren. Helen loved Christmas time and decorating the house in festive decor. When Robert retired in 1992, they started traveling, meeting with friends and family for dinners, and dancing. Also, of course, singing in the orchards of her sister’s ranch on New Year’s Eve. When Robert passed away in 2005. Helen kept busy by volunteering at El Camino Hospital and St. Josephs Church. She also kept busy at the Cupertino Senior Center.

She will be greatly missed.

A funeral mass will be held to celebrate her life at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at St. Josephs Church 10110 N De Anza Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014